TRAVEL LOG #5

[synfluxmods]

TRAVEL LOG #5

CONTENT WARNINGS: death, nightmares, gun violence, survival scenario

▶ 001. EYES WIDE OPEN.

"Angels of Lilith, report for duty in the DISPATCH."

The day starts off with alarms blaring and oculars shining bright lights in the Outsiders' heads, waking them up early for an emergency dispatch. Although the current Rift at Mt. Fuji needs to be explored and examined, the Rifts continue to appear in different parts of the world, and this Rift is no different. Captain Yamakawa continues,

"We have received a distress call from EGYPT. Much of the region fell during the first kaiju crisis. Now it is a desolate land that survives with the help of a generator called an ESSENCE which is currently malfunctioning. We assume the cause is Rift energy—according to our radar, there is a heavy amount of Rift energy coming from that area. We will move out immediately. Pack all the things you may need, but each Outsider will be supplied with a care package of their own containing essentials."

Even though it is 4:00 AM Tokyo time, LILITH hopes you all have slept well. It could be the very last good sleep in awhile. While the dataportal to Egypt is operational on Japan's end, because of the malfunctioning generator, Outsiders are unable to come out on the other side. The old method of using the flying cruiser will be used once again.

There will not be assigned seating for this other than by teams. Everlights will sit with Everlights, Brimstones with Brimstones, and so on. The Outsiders will be encouraged to rest on the flight, and a few hours before landing, an in-flight meal will be provided. The meal is surprisingly delicious and consists of chicken or pork katsu cutlet, but with the warning that all Outsiders will know about: it contains high amount of cyber caffeine. This sort of newly innovative caffeine can keep Outsiders awake for several days, but sometimes it may cause restlessness or hyperactivity, causing characters to have a jittery amount of energy but razor sharp focus. Other times, it simply keeps characters awake and they feel no different. The cutlet will be served with KAIJU™ Energy Drink. Any Outsiders that require a different diet will be provided with what they need, and the cyber caffeine will be added to it if they would like.

Yamakawa gives instructions again:

"We have received more information about the kaiju. Civilians have died in their sleep from horrible nightmares, and we are encouraging Outsiders to sleep together in pairs or groups, or disregard sleeping at all until we obtain more information. We are still receiving facts about this monster, but this meal will help with keeping everyone awake as a safety measure."

Those who do not want to have the highly caffeinated meal can have everyone's favorite: a ration bar that isn't spiked with any energy, but it doesn't taste good at all. Outsiders may be more likely to fall asleep and be in danger by choosing this meal. The balance of a dystopian society.

▶ 002. ARRIVAL IN EGYPT.

When they finally arrive, the air is temperate and dry in Alexandria. The Outsiders might have to check their clocks once more to make sure everything is right; everyone is expected to land in the late afternoon and every clock says it should be close to evening, but the city is already growing dark with the sun setting quite early. Because of the ESSENCE disruption, Alexandria is running on back up energy, which makes for spotty lighting and loss of basic power.

LILITH will be greeted by a small group of researchers at the airport and they will help take the Outsiders to their base: the Alexandria Institute which was once the University of Alexandria. They will give the Outsiders a quick run down of the situation and some background.

1. LILITH does not have a strong defense branch in the region any more. Instead, the branch here seems more focused on research, especially on the origin of kaiju and rifts.
2. This region is extremely prone to spontaneous Rifts. Many of them are small and pass quickly but this most recent one is unprecedented.
3. One evening, in the final week of March, the Alexandria Institute received a corrupt file from their fellow researchers in Greece. It shut down much of their research facility (including their warp portal) and all they have been able to recover so far are the words, "Do Not Go To Sleep."
4. The next morning, they awoke to find the sun rising later and setting earlier. It feels like the days are getting significantly shorter.
5. Many locals developed a fear of the dark and going to sleep. They would then die in their sleep within the next few days.
6. The autopsy of these victims have shown no cause of death, puzzling coroners.

Progress has been slow because the corrupt file shut down many of their facilities. They have not been able to track the source of the Rift or identify the kaiju responsible for it. They believe the answers may be within the corrupt file and will be happy to receive any help they can get from the Outsiders.

When they arrive at the Institute, Outsiders will be set up in the old student dormitories. Each room has 2-4 beds depending on the room, with a common shared area on each floor. Given the current threat, there is also a supply of energy drinks and bars boosted with cyber caffeine. Outsiders have two options:

1. OPTION ONE: Stay in Alexandria and help the researchers with the generators, while keeping themselves and teammates awake during the night by playing games.
2. OPTION TWO: Go out into the Egyptian desert on camel-back, spending time getting to know their camel before heading out.

OOC NOTE: While players may write prompts for both options, we ask that you submit for a clue only once per player (not per character, as we have a lot of characters in game now!)

▶ 003. LEARN & EXPLORE. (ALEXANDRIA RESEARCH.)

Times are hard in Alexandria right now with their generators malfunctioning and efforts being split. The researchers are trying to get the generators back up and uncorrupt the data they received from Greece. LILITH will instruct the Outsiders to help with the research but also warn that they cannot afford to just sit around and wait to crack codes. The researchers also agree. Sometimes the best way to get research data is to go out into the field, but they haven't been able to do it due to not having much protection. The desert is vast, and there have been sightings of other small kaiju lurking beneath the sand and in some smaller cities.

Outsiders can decide to stay in the city of Alexandria to help crack the codes, or they can opt to go out into the field. For the latter, they can choose to stay close to home and investigate within Alexandria.

Those who wish to help with the ESSENCE generators and researchers will stay in Alexandria, using any downtime when not investigating to try and stay awake, slumber-party style. Two Truths and a Lie? Maybe Spin The Bottle? Perhaps some games can keep Outsiders enticed so they don't doze off.

▶ 004. FEELING SANDY (DESERT EXPLORATION.)

For those who wish to explore the desert and smaller cities, Alexandria Institute will supply what they need, such as water, food, essential tools for digging, sleeping bags (no sleeping, but maybe for resting!) and anything else. To conserve energy, the researchers supply camels for the Outsiders to use. The camels are mostly tame, but have their own distinct personalities, so they may need a little more handling and can be coaxed to behave with treats like artificial carrots and bananas. Outsiders can spend time getting to know their camel if they are going to explore the desert or cities. A camel can seat two people on its back comfortably, but also carry any essentials that travelers need to bring along.

In the distant small cities and across the desert, Outsiders will come across Sand Crocodiles, one of the smaller kaiju that have been inhabiting the desert. These monsters are basically crocodiles but with a twist: they can spit fire if angered and they can camouflage in the sand. They hide strategically, and one wrong step will cause them to push their jaws out of the ground, harming a person or camel. The stubby quills along their backs or rounds of their horns aren't entirely covered while hiding, so watch carefully. Fortunately, Outsiders will be supplied with a shotgun. Aiming between the eyes or in the mouth will kill it, but also beating it with the back of the shotgun will also do the trick. And yes, they also taste like crocodile too, if anyone is hungry.

After exploring, Outsiders are requested to report their findings back in Alexandria.

▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our fourth travel log!

Welcome to the new and improved Travel Log! Below, you will see the link to the MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET post that has information about the kaiju below along with RIFT EFFECTS. Fill out the form for RNG Attacks and whether you would like to receive a RIFT EFFECT. This should give characters some ideas for the status of their character in the next log, which will have more action and monsters in it. Outsiders may use the CHAT to report and discuss any findings.

We thank you in advance for your patience as we try out this new format!

All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards April AC.

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. EYES WIDE OPEN: Outsiders travel to Egypt after receiving reports of their power generator, ESSENCE, being unstable and malfunctioning, leaving citizens in peril. They are instructed to "stay awake." They are supplied cyberpunk caffeine and told to try not to sleep or stay in pairs to be watchful of any danger.

2. ARRIVING IN EGYPT: Arriving in Alexandria, the Outsiders are confirmed that citizens have been dying in their sleep, with coroners unable to determine the cause. The days are mysteriously getting shorter and people are unable to stay awake.

3. LEARN & EXPLORE: Outsiders are given options to stay in Alexandria to help with the generator or find clues to assist the research team. Between researching, they are asked to continue to stay awake by any means possible. Those who will be exploring the desert and smaller cities for clues are given a camel for transportation. Outsiders are encouraged to get to know their camel before traveling.

4. FEELING SANDY: While looking for any clues out in the desert, Outsiders encounter smaller kaiju known as Sand Crocodiles. They hide in the sand and attack at the opportune time, snapping jaws and spitting fire. Shooting them between the eyes or in the mouth will K.O. them.

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Comments

[zauneyete]

We have nothing like the technology here.

Yet we can do it.

[ Okay, but Hextech is literally scorpion souls that are poisoning the planet. I mean what ]

So perhaps they should try a bit harder, hm?

[not_laurent]

Perhaps! Have you shared your world's idea of technology to the LILITH scientists?

[An honest question. Maybe. Or maybe Silco should do something about it instead of just griping!]

With all the people here from so many different worlds and times, I bet there is a lot we could share with them, in that regard.

[zauneyete]

[ One of those types, huh?

Silco's eyes tip toward him, with a roll. ]

On top of the forced kidnapping and requirement to fight for someone else's survival?

[ Roland, buddy. ]

You suggest I give them the power that they clearly already have but cannot protect? Teleportation exists. It's simply something that seems to be "broken" at the most inopportune times. Just enough to leave us like this.

[ Also?? He hates flying! He hasn't had a cigar in several hours. ]

[not_laurent]

[Well, hard to argue against that... but he'll try!]

Well... We are here now, for however long. Nothing wrong in trying to improve things, if you ask me. What could it hurt?

[Roland leans closer to the window, captivated by the ground and clouds swiftly moving below.]

Maybe it takes awhile, but at least the view is nice, eh? I took a couple of flying lessons back home, and our planes can't even come close to a height like this. Not even the airships can.

[zauneyete]

Oh, I don't know. It could make them reliant on the assistance of outsiders to make their lives comfortable? If LILITH is unable to maintain us, it may mean that we are unleashed in this world to be free and aimless, and just as at the mercy of the Kaiju as everyone else.

Or, perhaps, I take issue with fighting someone else's battle. Ask around. I've made my opinions quite clear.

[ His lecturing tone drones on, and on. ]

And no, I hate the view.

[ He doesn't really look out the window.

Look. He's from underground. ]

Let's just say I don't spend any time indulging in heights.

[not_laurent]

Hmm. Maybe, but it seems like they weren't doing so hot before the Outsiders got here, either. And while I see nothing wrong with helping people who need it, I can't disagree that it would have been courteous to at least ask first.

[As if Roland would have said no, but still.]

Whether we like it or not, we're here now, though. Not working to make it better is only against our own interests. In my opinion, anyway.

[Meanwhile, here's a guy who spends more time in the Paris catacombs than he cares to. But, such is Chasseur life, that's where they work out of. He's seen more sun in his short time here than he probably has in the last year.]

Oh, I do! Sort of. I'd been learning to fly, back home. When I could find the time, anyway.

[zauneyete]

Ah, you are one of those types, aren't you?

[ He asks, his tone turning...well. Not annoyed, but certainly not pleasant. ]

Let me explain this for you, boy. Handing out help makes one dependent on it. It makes them weak, like children who are too helpless to advocate for themselves. They cannot do anything without intervention.

This world? These people? They have hardly done anything more than rip us from our homes with their hands out, begging for assistance. I participate because I have no choice in the matter. If it were up to me, I would be forcing the locals alongside the rest of us. After all, if they can bring me, they can do their own work.

[ look at him! ]

[not_laurent]

["Boy"? He's 26 and over 6 feet tall. Silco, please.

Roland looks undaunted, though. He's dealt with plenty of types like Silco.]

Mm, that's one way to look at it, isn't it? But see, I don't think there's anything wrong with asking for help. Giving in would be what really made them weak. Instead, they used what they had to bring us here to help keep the fight going.

[While it's true that Silco doesn't exactly look like the fighting type, he knows better than to judge a book by its cover.]

Besides, not everyone needs to be in the physical fight. Just keeping society running in circumstances like this is pretty impressive, if you ask me! People still need to teach children, grow food, fight fires, keep the power running... We need more people to train as scientists like these LILITH folks, too. There's a whole world down there doing what they can to survive. Now we're just doing our part.

[zauneyete]

[ Do u think that makes you not a boy Roland? It's a mindset. Everyone younger than him is boy.

He gives him a look, honestly? The way to call it is disgusted. ]

Then I would suggest leveling that at the locals, instead of me. Do you think I am interested in helping these people? [ Oh boy, here we go. ] Do you think that these people deserve my help? Or have they simply found some way to force it through the use of implants that shock us if I do not comply?

Does that sound like the sort of people that are kindly asking for help, or does that sound like little more than Jailors whom have found convicts of varying capabilities, that they send to die?

[ A roll of his eyes away from the window. He hates looking at the ground. It makes him feel sick. ]

Save your speeches for the ones that will listen. I already know my place here, and it is to remind the lot of you that they could be doing something themselves, if they made the effort.

1/2

[not_laurent]

[Roland is undaunted in the fact of Silco's disgust. His smile stays put, and the longer it does, the more deliberate and pointed it seems.]

Not a speech, just how I look at things.

[not_laurent]

[Though, it seems the rest of Silco's words slip past him, because Roland gets stuck on one thing, his expression turning to concern and a little bit of confusion.]

Sorry, but did you say-- shocks for non-compliance?

[zauneyete]

[ He was about to say that he didn't care — because. Well. It's Silco. The sharp smile is only met with the bland look, eye staring at him unblinking. Uncaring.

But he asks the question, and his eyebrow lifts — the fake one follows, only moderately — and his mouth forms into a small 'o'. ]

Oh yes, naturally, you have been compliant. Unquestioning, so you haven't felt it, have you?

That buzzing in the back of your mind when you think to threaten violence on another Outsider, or if you choose to step away? The one that reminds us who has the reigns on us at all times?

I suppose it is easy to miss, if one is unquestioning in their dedication.

[not_laurent]

[Roland listens fully now, absorbing Silco's words. He'll try to get this information confirmed with other Outsiders in the future, just in case.

He, of course, has had no reason to threaten any other Outsiders. Not yet, anyway, and he hopes he never has to.

Roland's not naive, though, despite the optimism and smiles. He'd spent too long being naive, but he's done some growing lately. How unfortunate, that LILITH would have so much in common with the Church, needing to manipulate others into doing good. The world shouldn't have to be like that.

Then again, there are people like Silco in it. It's just how it is.

Roland's expression shift to a smile tinged with sadness. A smile to himself.]

What a shame. I suppose if you're kidnapping people into this situation, you'd expect a lot of dissent, and need a way to force compliance. Can't say I agree with that.

Suppose I'll just have to keep doing good despite the circumstances, then. My dedication remains to God and those in need. And if my motives ever differ too much from LILITH, well...

[He doesn't expect it too, but then again, he never expected it to happen with the Church, either. Roland gazes out over the window again, something dark in his words despite how pleasantly they're delivered.]

I'll just deal with that if and when the time comes.

[zauneyete]

To God?

[ He asks, with a scoff.

Silco had never really believed in them, Gods. There was Janna, a wind spirit of his own world, but he didn't even believe in her, not really. Old wives' tales to keep the miners comfortable and willing to mine further and deeper. Someone to pray to, when it was too dark, or when the cave-ins happened. It didn't matter if it was men or machine that saved them, it was always Janna they thanked.

Silco didn't. He believed in himself, in the power he could provide. In what his dedication and willingness to take power could do.

It's why his lips curl into a smile, and he leans forward, slightly. ]

Be careful, boy. You speak with a god-killer. I would not suggest that you put too much dedication towards it. You will find yourself disappointed soon enough.

[ He steps away from the window. He'll let Roland deal with the nanites as he wished. He certainly wasn't going to stay his hand, was he? ]